Neuroscience For Kids

Cadmium Used in Toys?
January 30, 2010
Updated: January 13, 2011 by Remi Alli

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most dangerous, toxic pollutants known.
This toxin can cause severe damage to the lungs, liver, kidneys, and
nervous system. And it might be showing up in children's toys!

On January 11, 2010, US Consumer Product
Safety Commission (CPSC) Chairman Inez Tenenbaum issued a statement that warns
against the use of cadmium in children's products. This statement comes
after an investigation by The Associated Press found cadmium in many
pieces of children's jewelry imported from China. It appears that jewelry
manufacturers are now using cadmium instead of lead.

The CPSC also recently publicized the recall of children's necklaces
sold at Walmart Stores because this jewelry had high levels of
cadmium.

Cadmium can:

Interrupt normal brain development.

Affect how neurotransmitters are released.

Disrupt brain systems that use the neurotransmitters serotonin,
dopamine and norepinephrine.

Cross the blood brain barrier and interfere
with
the uptake of oxygen and nutrients in the brain.

Damage brain blood vessels.

Cause neuron death in the cortex, cerebellum, and basal ganglia

Cause attention, memory and visual problems.

The CPSC hopes that manufacturers will voluntarily keep cadmium out of
products, but will develop mandatory regulations if needed.

UPDATE: In late 2010, cadmium was found in
children's drinking glasses.